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Relevance of patch testing in patients with nummular dermatitis
D S Krupa Shankar1, Shristi Shrestha
1Department of Dermatology, Manipal Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka, India. dermakrupa@yahoo.com
Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology
|January 6, 2006
Summary
Patients with nummular dermatitis often develop secondary allergic contact dermatitis, worsening their condition. Patch testing can identify triggers and improve quality of life for these patients.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Allergology
Background:
- Nummular dermatitis presents a compromised skin barrier, increasing susceptibility to secondary contact dermatitis.
- Chronic skin conditions like nummular dermatitis can be exacerbated by allergic contact dermatitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prevalence and common allergens of secondary contact dermatitis in patients diagnosed with nummular dermatitis.
Main Methods:
- Patch testing using the Indian Standard Series was conducted on 50 patients with clinically diagnosed nummular eczema.
- Allergic reactions were assessed and graded according to the International Contact Dermatitis Research Group (ICDRG) criteria.
Main Results:
- 23 out of 50 tested patients (46%) exhibited significant allergic reactions.
- The most prevalent allergens identified were colophony, nitrofurazone, neomycin sulfate, and nickel sulfate, each causing reactions in 7.14% of cases.
- Allergens present in topical treatments, cosmetics, and toiletries accounted for 64.28% of all positive reactions.
Conclusions:
- Patients with nummular dermatitis face a substantial risk of developing secondary allergic contact dermatitis, contributing to disease severity and persistence.
- Implementing patch testing is crucial for identifying specific allergens and can significantly enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.
- Patch testing should be considered a standard diagnostic tool for patients suffering from chronic or treatment-resistant nummular dermatitis.